Director, IP Counsel

Iambic Therapeutics

. Lead Iambic’s intellectual property function and report to the General Counsel .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesLead💰 $224,000 - $300,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in intellectual property management, including patent drafting, prosecution, and strategy development within the life sciences sector. Proficient in utilizing AI tools for IP processes and providing strategic legal advice to stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

J.D.USPTO Registration8+ Years Of Life Sciences Patent ExperienceExperience In Drafting And Prosecuting Small Molecule Patent ApplicationsExperience Conducting Freedom-To-Operate Analyses

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Patent DraftingPatent ProsecutionGlobal Portfolio StrategyFreedom-To-Operate AnalysisIP DiligenceInvention Disclosure ProcessTrade Secret Program ManagementLicensing NegotiationConfidentiality ManagementAI Tools Utilization

Soft Skills

Sound JudgmentClear CommunicationPractical Advice

Tools & Technologies

AI Tools For IP Practice

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Membership In Good Standing Of A U.S. State BarAuthorization To Work In The United States

Industry Keywords

BiotechPharmaLife SciencesSmall Molecule PipelineAI-Driven DiscoveryOpen Source LicensingIP StrategyPatentability AnalysisCommercial Contract PlaybooksIP-Related SEC Disclosures

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Open Source

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Iambic’s intellectual property function and report to the General Counsel
Build and execute a global IP strategy protecting the small molecule pipeline and AI-driven discovery platform
Draft, file, and prosecute patent applications
Manage outside counsel for the global U.S., PCT, and EP portfolio
Decide what IP work is handled in-house and own filing strategy and the IP budget
Conduct and lead freedom-to-operate, patentability, and landscape analyses
Run the invention disclosure process with research and computational teams, including inventorship determinations
Build and maintain a trade secret program for AI models, data, and know-how
Advise on open source and data licensing
Lead IP diligence and draft and negotiate IP terms in collaborations, licenses, and other transactions
Set IP positions for commercial contract playbooks
Use AI tools for searching, drafting, office action responses, and analytics in accordance with company policies and USPTO guidance
Oversee publication review, lifecycle and exclusivity planning, contested proceedings, trademarks, and IP-related SEC disclosures

Requirements

What you’ll need

J.D.
Active membership in good standing of a U.S. state bar
USPTO registration
Advanced degree in chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred)
8+ years of life sciences patent experience
Experience in law firm and in-house biotech/pharma environments
Recent hands-on experience personally drafting and prosecuting small molecule patent applications
Experience with global portfolio strategy
Experience conducting freedom-to-operate analyses
Experience handling IP in pharma collaborations and licensing
Regular use of AI tools in IP practice
Sound judgment regarding confidentiality and verification of AI-assisted work
Willingness to work directly in a lean team
Ability to provide clear, practical advice to scientists and executives
San Diego-area candidates strongly preferred; willingness to relocate may be required
Authorization to work in the United States and ability to address visa sponsorship requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company-paid healthcare
Flexible spending accounts
Voluntary life insurance
401(k) matching
Uncapped vacation
Onsite gym
Onsite dining
Easy access to great places to live and play
Flexible work arrangement indicated as hybrid